-
Meal Planning Made Simple (Family Dinner Ideas)
March always feels like that in-between season — not quite spring, not quite winter. I’ve learned that having dinners planned ahead makes our evenings calmer and helps me avoid the 4:30 p.m. “what’s for supper?” scramble. Here’s what we’re eating this month — a mix of comfort meals, different proteins, leftovers (because real life), and a few family favorites. Some recipes are my own, some are favorites from Tastefully Simple, and a few are inspired by other creators — I’ve linked everything so you can easily find what you need. 🌻 Week 1 Meals KFC Bowls A cozy, layered comfort meal with mashed potatoes, corn, crispy chicken, gravy, and cheese.…
You May Also Like
🌻 Let’s Talk Meal Prep (But Make It Realistic)
-
Taqueria Pork Bowls
These Taqueria Pork Bowls are bold, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. The seasoned pork comes together quickly in one skillet, and everyone can build their bowl just the way they like it. It’s one of those flexible meals that works great for leftovers, too. Ingredients (Serves 4–6) For the Pork For the Bowls Instructions Step 1: Brown the PorkHeat a skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Add ground pork and cook for 3–5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Season with salt and pepper. Step 2: Cook the AromaticsAdd diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3–5 minutes, until the onions soften and…
-
Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Potatoes
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Potatoes recipe is one of those hearty, crowd-pleasing dinners that always disappears fast in our house. Crispy roasted potatoes, juicy seasoned chicken, smoky bacon, melty cheddar, and plenty of ranch make this the ultimate comfort food bowl. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but filling enough to satisfy everyone at the table. Ingredients (Serves 4–6) Instructions Serve warm and enjoy! For a fun twist, we love drizzling Tastefully Simple’s Bold Buffalo Ranch over the top. It adds just the right kick and takes these loaded potatoes to the next level. 🛒Shop the Ingredients I Used In this recipe, I used one of my favorite Tastefully…
-
Easy Pizza Sliders (Perfect for Busy Nights)
These pizza sliders are one of my go-to dinners when I need something quick, kid-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear fast. They’re cheesy, warm, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Perfect for weeknights, game days, or even casual get-togethers. Ingredients (Serves 4–6) Instructions Tips & Variations 🛒 Shop the Ingredients I Used In this recipe, I used one of my favorite Tastefully Simple seasonings: You can shop these (and browse my full collection) in my online store here:👉 https://tastefullysimple.com/?ref=samchristensen9291 Disclosure: As an Ambassador for Tastefully Simple, I may earn a commission from purchases made through my links. I only share products I personally use and love in my own…
-
KFC Bowls (Easy Copycat Dinner)
These cozy “KFC-style” bowls are one of my favorite comfort meals — mashed potatoes, corn, crispy chicken, gravy, and lots of cheddar. Perfect for busy nights and super kid-friendly! Ingredients (Serves 4) Instructions Notes & Tips These make great leftovers — store components separately if you can, then reheat and assemble. Want extra flavor? Add a sprinkle of pepper, a dash of garlic powder in the potatoes, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. Simply Samantha 🌻Simply Real. Simply Me.
-
📚 What I’m Reading, Loving, and Learning Lately
This is one of those “behind the scenes of my life and brain” kind of posts—what I’m reading, what I’m loving, and what I’m learning in this season. We’re already a good month and a half into 2026, which honestly feels a little wild. This is usually the point in the year where people fall into one of three camps: No matter where you’re at—I’m here to remind you: you’re not behind, you’re not out, and you’re definitely not done. You can fall off the rails and get back on. There is absolutely nothing that says one rough week (or month) means the whole year is a wash. 📖 What…
-
🧑🍳 Oven Sliders — Our New Favorite Weeknight & Game-Day Bite!
Lately at our house, oven sliders have become the go-to recipe for busy weeknights, casual game nights, and anytime we want something comforting without a lot of fuss. They’re simple to make, totally customizable, and always disappear fast! Below are four of our favorite slider recipes — from classic ham & cheese to savory Philly cheesesteak. Each one uses pantry-friendly ingredients and bakes up in under 30 minutes! They are also easily customizable, so follow to a T or switch up with your favorites! Note:This post contains links to recipes from other food bloggers we love. All credit goes to the original creators, and I encourage you to visit their…
-
Why Rest Is Productive (Even When It Doesn’t Look Like It)
By mid-January, the excitement of a new year has worn off. The routines are back. The calendars are filling. The expectations — both spoken and unspoken — start creeping in. And many of us feel tired before the year has even fully begun. In a world that constantly equates productivity with worth, rest can feel uncomfortable. Lazy, even. Something we have to justify, earn, or squeeze in only after everything else is done. But here’s the truth that simple living keeps teaching me: Rest is productive — even when it doesn’t look like it. Rest Isn’t the Opposite of Productivity We often treat rest as the reward for doing enough.Finish…
-
2026 Intentions, Goals, & Reflection
In my last post, I shared why I’m choosing to step away from traditional New Year’s resolutions and instead focus on small, intentional goals and progress I can actually sustain. Today, I want to take that idea one step further and share what that looks like for our family as we head into 2026—the goals we’re setting, the rhythms we’re protecting, and the why behind each one. Not as a checklist to conquer, but as a gentle vision for a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and lived on purpose. ✨ Intentions & Goals 🌿 Simple Living 📚 Reading 💑 Marriage 🏕️ Family 💰 Finances ✍️ Creativity & Purpose 🍽️ Home…
-
Instead of a New Year’s Resolution, Try This
December 30th sits in a quiet space between reflection and anticipation. The holidays are winding down, the calendar is about to turn, and everywhere you look there’s talk of New Year’s resolutions — big promises, big goals, big pressure. #newyearnewme Before you step into that noise, here’s a gentle alternative. You don’t need a New Year’s resolution to have a meaningful year.Simple living invites us to choose intention over intensity, and progress over perfection. Instead of one overwhelming resolution meant to last 365 days, here are a few simple, feel-good ways to step into the new year with clarity and grace. 1. Create a List of Things You’re Looking Forward…
